As a motorcyclist, riding on twisty roads means your bike will lean deep into turns. While this seems to be thrilling, having the right tires meant for cornering can make the whole process more exciting.
This article aims to guide you in choosing the best motorcycle tires for cornering. Different tire manufacturers prioritize a combination of factors, such as mileage, grip, handling, etc., when producing tires for motorcycles. While some have good mileage, some are good for both wet and dry conditions, and some are perfect for cornering.
As a rider with over 30 years of riding experience, I will share with you a list of tires that you should consider if you enjoy riding on bends or twisty roads. But before I list these best motorcycle tires for cornering, let’s understand what makes a tire good for cornering.
Here’s a quick summary of my top 7 best motorcycle tires for cornering:
| Product | Category | Check & Shop Now |
|---|---|---|
| MICHELIN ROAD 6 GT TIRES | Best Overall Performance | RevZilla | Amazon |
| PIRELLI DIABLO ROSSO IV TIRES | Best For Sport Riding | RevZilla | Amazon |
| METZELER SPORTEC M9 RR TIRES | Best For Touring | RevZilla | MotoSport |
| PIRELLI ANGEL GT TIRES | Best For Wet Conditions | RevZilla | Amazon |
| BRIDGESTONE BATTLAX S22 TIRES | Best For Sport Touring | RevZilla | Amazon |
| DUNLOP Q5 SPORTMAX TIRES | Best For Aggressive Cornering | RevZilla | Cycle Gear |
| MICHELIN COMMANDER II TIRES | Best For Durability | RevZilla | Amazon |
What Makes a Motorcycle Tire Good for Cornering?
There are a couple of things that make a tire good for taking corners. Below are the factors:
- Tires with Round Profile: Tires with round shape usually have the best cornering grip because they make contact with the road at all angles.
- The Rubber Compound of the Tire: A grippy rubber compound means the tire will stick better to the road surface during rides, which is essential for cornering. Unlike before, when we had to sacrifice durability for grippy rubber, the evolution in the tire industry has made it possible to enjoy tires with excellent grip as well as long life.
- The Width of the Tire: Riding on fatter tires on the road provides more grip needed for cornering.
- Tread Patterns: Tread patterns or tread depth can also determine how well a tire grips to the road in corners. Tires with deeper treads tend to grip better, whether in wet or dry conditions.
- Tire Pressure: The pressure in a tire can also determine how effective the tire would be when cornering. Too much pressure can cause the tire to lose traction, and low pressure can cause the tire to collapse during intense cornering. Know the right pressure gauge for your tires.
- Tires that Warm Up Quickly: Tires are stickier when they are warm. Therefore, a good tire for cornering should warm up quickly.
Having known what makes motorcycle tires good for cornering, let’s go over my list of the best motorcycle tires for cornering.
My 7 Top Picks of the Best Motorcycle Tires for Cornering
Go through my recommendations below and choose the best cornering tires that match your needs and preferences:
1. Michelin Road 6 GT Tires
It is no surprise to have the Michelin Road 6 GT tires on top of the list. Two things qualify the Road 6 GT tire to be on my list. The first is the 2 CT+ Technology employed by the company to offer better rigidity at lean and improved cornering stability under heavy breaking or strong acceleration. The second selling point is the 100% Michelin Silica Technology tread compound and a new tread pattern that features Water Evergrip Technology for improved grip in wet conditions.
If you’ve ever used the Road 5 GT or the previous series, buying the Road 6 GT will be a step forward because it builds on the success of the older series. If you own a heavy-touring or sport-touring motorcycle, this tire is a good one to consider.
2. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Tires
The Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires are another beast when it comes to the best motorcycle tires for cornering. These tires are designed to navigate bends and twists excellently without affecting performance. You enjoy a high level of confidence riding on these tires even at extreme lean angles and a superb grip while braking, thanks to the tires’ high-performance silica-enriched multi-compounds.
Whether you decide to use the tires on wet or dry roads, you should expect quality performance from these rubbers. So far, the customer reviews for these tires have never been short of 4.8 out of 5. If you are an aggressive rider, this should probably be on your list of the best tires.
3. Metzeler Sportec M9 RR Tires
Even though I haven’t used these tires personally, I have a couple of friends who sing praises of having these rubbers underneath their motorcycles. Apart from the plenty of grip you get in corners, the Metzeler Sportec M9 RR tires offer good mileage, outstanding handling, and excellent performance in wet conditions.
The directional center grooves of the tires deliver stability when upright, while the mid-lean groove maximizes the grip to deliver seamless feedback during cornering. The slick shoulders boost your confidence when riding at full lean. Full silica prevents overheating, and dual-compound optimizes abrasion resistance and boosts mileage.
These tires are an improvement of the M7 RR tires, so you should expect nothing less than amazing from them.
4. Pirelli Angel GT Tires
The high-performance capabilities of the Pirelli Angel GT tires qualify them to be on my list of the best motorcycle tires for cornering. These sport-touring tires not only offer a good level of confidence to riders but also have one of the longest lifespans among tire models.
Whatever your lean angle is, this tire offers a significant improvement in motorcycle handling thanks to footprint consistency. Also, the high-silica compound of the tire delivers outstanding performance in wet conditions.
These tires maintain a great rounded profile throughout their lifespan, making them a solid investment for riders.
5. Bridgestone Battlax S22 Tires
The Bridgestone Battlax S22 tires are another famous set of tires known for their cornering capabilities. For motorcyclists seeking high-performance handling, these tires are a top choice to consider. Engineered with cutting-edge technology and innovative tread design, you should expect superior grip and stability from the S22 tires, especially during corners.
Among other key features of the Bridgestone Battlax S22 is its advanced silica-reinforced compound. This feature enhances traction and promotes confident handling on wet or dry road surfaces. Also, this tire has a multi-directional tread pattern that optimizes contact with the road, thus ensuring maximum grip when leaning into corners.
If your goal is to get tires that offer uncompromising performance and agility during riding, the Bridgestone Battlax S22 tire should be a top contender on your list.
6. Dunlop Q5 Sportmax Tires
Buy on RevZilla | Cycle Gear
Dunlop is one of the top players in the tire industry, so it should be expected that the company will have at least one tire model on my list of the best motorcycle tires for cornering. The Dunlop Q5 Sportmax tires offer motorcycle enthusiasts an exceptional balance of performance and versatility.
The innovative compounds, coupled with the tread patterns of the tire, provide amazing grip, stability, and durability on various road surfaces. The Dunlop Q5 Sportmax tires are a great choice for sportbike enthusiasts and professionals alike, providing unparalleled performance and control on the road or track.
7. Michelin Commander II Tires
Last but not least on my list of the best motorcycle tires for cornering is the Michelin Commander II tire. These tires are designed for all kinds of cruiser motorcycles and are spectacular for two things: excellent mileage and superior handling and stability.
The highly dense, more rigid carcass of the Michelin Commander II helps to provide outstanding feedback and handling. Also, the upper layer of the tire is made of materials that enhance stability even at high speed. The premium sidewall treatment of the tire also complements cruiser styling.
Recommended: Sport Vs. Sport-Touring Tires: Unlocking Performance Excellence With 5 Key Insights
Other Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Motorcycle Tires for Cornering
When choosing the best motorcycle tires for cornering, there are other factors to keep in mind to get the best product.
- Tires with good mileage and durability: While looking for tires with excellent cornering capabilities, you should also consider the lifespan of the tires and their resistance to wear.
- Rim Compatibility: Any tires you choose to use must be compatible with your motorcycle’s rim size and type. Compatibility is very important to avoid any handling issues or safety risks.
- Temperature and weather conditions: Even when riding on tires with good cornering features, you should consider the riding conditions in which you will be cornering. For your maximum safety, be cautious of very extreme weather and go for the safest lean angles.
- Budget: Have a budget in mind and choose a tire from my list above that resonates with your budget. You don’t need to budget for premium tires to get satisfaction from buying tires with excellent cornering performance.
- Maintenance: Regular inspections for wear or adjustments of tire pressure should be part of your maintenance routine. This is necessary for safety and high performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are low profile tires good for cornering?
While low profile tires can provide good cornering stability due to reduced sidewall flex, you may not get the needed comfort in such a situation. These tires are better suited for aggressive riders seeking precise handling.
Q2: Do wider tires help in cornering?
Yes, wider tires can improve cornering grip by increasing the contact patch with the road, enhancing stability and traction, especially in high-speed turns.
Q3: How do I corner my bike better?
To corner your bike better, focus on body positioning, look ahead through the turn, apply smooth throttle control, and use proper braking techniques to maintain control and stability.
Q4: What gear should you use to turn corners on motorcycles?
Always approach corners in a lower gear than usual to keep the engine revving in its power band, allowing for smoother acceleration out of the turn and better control.
Q5: What are the best cornering techniques?
The best cornering techniques involve proper body positioning, looking through the turn, smooth throttle control, and counter-steering to the initial lean angle while maintaining stability.
Q6: Should you brake while cornering?
No, you should avoid braking while cornering because it can unsettle the motorcycle’s suspension and cause loss of traction. Instead, use the brake before entering the corner to set an appropriate speed.
Q7: Should you accelerate while cornering?
While it is generally safer to maintain a steady throttle or gradually accelerate through a corner to stabilize the bike and maintain traction, avoid sudden or aggressive acceleration that may cause loss of control.
Michael’s Summary and Conclusion
Choosing the best motorcycle tires for cornering will give you the confidence needed while leaning deep into corners. I have listed my top 7 recommendations for the best motorcycle tires for cornering. Go through the list and choose the tire that is compatible with your bike and matches your budget. My selection was based on personal experience coupled with research from trustworthy platforms.
 I've diligently categorized my motorcycle gear recommendations into all available categories, with the aim of providing you with a comprehensive analysis that showcases the absolute best options for all your needs. These items are the culmination of in-depth research, extensive testing, and personal use throughout my vast experience of 50+ years in the world of motorcycling. Besides being a passionate rider, I've held leadership positions and offered consultancy services to reputable companies in over 25 countries. To See Top Picks and the Best Prices & Places to Buy: Click Here! |
Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative government, educational, corporate, and non-profit organizations:
- Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI)
- Tire Industry Association (TIA)
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation
- Department of Transportation (DOT)
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